UK’s February construction PMI likely rose slightly

Mar 02, 2016 07:28 am UTC| Commentary

UK construction PMI is likely to rise slightly to 55.6 in February. There are three subsectors in construction PMI - commercial, housing and civil engineering. Housing, until mid-2015 was the best subcomponent performer,...

Canadian economic growth likely to accelerate further in 2016, led by manufacturing exports

Mar 02, 2016 07:12 am UTC| Commentary

Canadas real GDP grew at an annualized rate of 0.5% in Q4, surpassing expectations of a flat reading by both market and the Bank of Canada. Canadas GDP growth for the past quarters was also revised slightly. The GDP growth...

Guide to today’s important data and events

Mar 02, 2016 07:05 am UTC| Commentary

Not many economic dockets scheduled for today, however some are with high risks associated. Data released so far Australia - New home sales rose 3.1% in January. Fourth quarter GDP expanded by 0.6%, up 3% from a...

Negative Rates Series

Negative rates series: Japanese embrace foreign bonds as fastest pace in six years

Mar 02, 2016 06:59 am UTC| Commentary

Bank of Japans (BOJ) introduction of negative rates having undesired consequences across financial markets and beyond. It is more likely Bank of Japan (BOJ) policymakers will be keeping a watchful eye over the...

Local and state government construction spending to boost US Q1 GDP growth

Mar 02, 2016 06:21 am UTC| Commentary Economy

US total construction spending expanded in January by 1.5% m/m, much above consensus expectations of a moderate increase of 0.3% m/m. According to the details of the report, local and state government spending are expected...

Weak global demand and stronger dollar still impact US manufacturing sector

Mar 02, 2016 05:40 am UTC| Commentary

The US ISM manufacturing index improved to a five-month high of 49.5 in February. However, the factory sector continues to be impacted by weak global demand and the strong dollar, despite the improvement. On the positive...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

Brazil’s trade balance improves in February but fails to ease currency pressures

Mar 02, 2016 05:16 am UTC| Commentary

Brazils trade balance for February surprised on the upside, posting a surplus of $3.0bn, the biggest for the month in the historical series. Trade balance on a year-to-date basis recorded a surplus of $4.0bn, as compared...